Drugging a Nation

Drugging a Nation unveils the shocking role of the British Empire in the widespread addiction to opium that plagued the Chinese population during the nineteenth century. This gripping narrative reveals how the opium crisis weakened China, leading to multiple invasions—often by the British themselves—aimed at strengthening their treaty ports, alongside interventions from other global powers. Ultimately, this relentless exploitation contributed to the collapse of the once-mighty empire. Through vivid accounts, the book delves into the devastating impact of opium on the daily lives of ordinary Chinese citizens and explores the mechanisms of addiction that ensnared a nation. (Summary by the author)